Exploring Elizabeth I

Overview

This 60-minute session is Lesson 2 of 5 in the unit "Queens of England: A Journey", aimed at Reception and KS1 pupils (ages 4-7). The lesson introduces Queen Elizabeth I, focusing on key events during her reign, her character, and achievements. It links directly to the aims of the KS1 History curriculum for England and incorporates clear success criteria, differentiation, and extension activities tailored to mixed-ability learners, including SEN pupils.

National Curriculum Links

History – Key Stage 1

Pupils should be taught to:

Understand chronology: Changes within living memory and significant historical events (NC KS1 History)
Know about significant people: Elizabeth I as a monarch who shaped history
Understand historical significance: Identify why Elizabeth I is remembered
Ask and answer questions about past events and figures

Specific objectives for this lesson:

Pupils can describe the reign of Queen Elizabeth I using simple language
Pupils can identify two significant events from her time as queen
Pupils begin to understand the impact Elizabeth I had on England

Learning Objectives

"I can..." statements for shared understanding:

I can say two important events that happened when Elizabeth I was queen.
I can listen carefully to facts about Elizabeth I.
I can play a 'Who Am I?' game to remember facts about Elizabeth I.
(Extension) I can think of interesting questions to ask Elizabeth I.

Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

Recall two important events from Elizabeth I’s reign (e.g., Spanish Armada defeat, Elizabethan era flourishing).
Demonstrate understanding of Elizabeth’s character using clues in the game.
Complete a graphic organiser categorising information about Elizabeth I.
(Extension) Write or verbalise a question they would ask Elizabeth I.

Resources

Short, child-friendly video about Queen Elizabeth I (3-5 mins, narrative style with visuals)
Printed picture cards with clues for the 'Who Am I?' game
Graphic organiser templates (simple “Fact / Event / Picture” format)
Whiteboard or flipchart for recording ideas
Writing materials for extension activity

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 mins)

Welcome and recall: Briefly revisit Lesson 1 (Queen Victoria) to create historical continuity.
Set context for Elizabeth I: Show a portrait and introduce her as a famous queen who ruled a long time ago (1558-1603).
Use simple timeline visual (from previous lesson build-up) to position Elizabeth I chronologically.

Teacher models the "I can..." statements on the board and explains them so all children know what success looks like.

Main Activities (35 mins)

Activity 1: Watch & Listen (10 mins)

Watch the selected short video about Elizabeth I.
Pause to reinforce key points: Who she was, when she ruled, one or two key events (Spanish Armada, the Elizabethan era).
Ask open questions to check understanding (Rosenshine's principle of questioning).

Activity 2: 'Who Am I?' Game (15 mins)

Pupils receive clue cards describing Elizabeth I (e.g., “I was called the Virgin Queen”, “People loved my speeches”, "I defeated the Spanish Armada").
In pairs or small groups, pupils guess the person.
Use guided questions for SEN support (e.g., "Is this queen the one from the video?").
Write clues on the board to reinforce understanding; discuss as a class to cement learning.

Activity 3: Graphic Organiser (10 mins)

Pupils complete a simple graphic organiser: write/draw facts or events about Elizabeth I.
Support offered by teacher/SEN TA for pupils needing help (fill in blanks, use pictures).
More able pupils encouraged to write sentences; less able use drawings and captions.

Plenary (15 mins)

Group Discussion & Success Review (7 mins)

Discuss the two key events learned about Elizabeth I using the organiser as a prompt.
Ask pupils to say or show their favourite fact.

Extension Activity (for advanced learners) (8 mins)

Write (KS1) or dictate (Reception/SEN) a short paragraph about a question they would ask Elizabeth I if they met her.
Share ideas aloud or display as a class book/folder of questions.

Differentiation Strategies

Visual aids: video, picture cards, timeline to support understanding.
Mixed-media graphic organiser where pupils can draw, label, or write depending on ability.
SEN support: adult help during activities, use of sentence starters for writing, one-to-one questioning.
Peer support: pair more able KS1 pupils with Reception children for the game.
Extension activity for gifted learners to deepen engagement.

Assessment

Use observation during the ‘Who Am I?’ game: Can pupils recall facts about Elizabeth I?
Review completed graphic organisers for accuracy and completeness.
Evaluate the extension paragraphs or verbal questions for understanding and curiosity.
Use verbal questioning to check comprehension and retention during plenary discussion.

Links to Rosenshine’s Principles

Daily review: Link to previous queen (Lesson 1) to strengthen memory.
Present new material in small steps: video broken into short parts with pauses.
Ask questions to check understanding regularly.
Provide models via graphic organisers and example sentences.
Guide practice during the 'Who Am I?' game with clues and support.
Independent practice through graphic organiser and extension writing.

Outdoor/Continuous Provision Ideas (Optional)

Create a “Queen Elizabeth I’s Garden” role play area with crowns, scrolls, historical costumes.
Make a timeline walk outdoors with images of historical figures and events.
Art links: design and decorate symbolic Tudor roses or Elizabethan jewellery.

This plan supports the diverse, mixed-age setting of your rural C of E primary class while tightly aligning with the National Curriculum for England, providing a rich and engaging foundation for children's historical understanding and curiosity.